The aroma of Christmas Fruitcake Bars wafts through the air, inviting you to indulge in a delightful blend of flavors. Chewy, sweet, and packed with dried fruits and nuts, these bars are a festive treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. delectable Christmas cookies.
As I baked these delicious bars, memories flooded back of holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy. There’s something magical about sharing good food that brings family and friends closer together during the holiday season. cinnamon roll bliss bars.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] These Christmas Fruitcake Bars are simple to prepare and require minimal effort. With a delightful mix of spices and textures, they burst with flavor. Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing on any dessert table. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert—perfect for sharing during the holidays! [/info_box]
Family and friends always rave about how perfect these bars are for holiday celebrations. For more inspiration, check out this Irresistible Caramel Apple Puff Pastry recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Dried Fruits: A mix of raisins, cranberries, and apricots adds sweetness and chewiness—pick your favorites!
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans provide crunch; toast them lightly for extra flavor.
Spices: Use cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for that warm holiday aroma.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners give richness without overpowering the fruit flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Golden Greek Honey Pie recipe.
Oats: Rolled oats act as a binding agent while adding texture—use gluten-free oats if necessary.
Butter or Coconut Oil: For richness; either works well but coconut oil offers a subtle hint of tropical flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking pan with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, and spices. Ensure everything is evenly mixed to maximize flavor distribution.
Add the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together melted butter (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), and an egg if you’re using one. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients.
Add Dried Fruits**: Fold in your selection of dried fruits until they are coated in the mixture. The vibrant colors will brighten up your bowl!
Spread into Pan**: Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking pan. Press down firmly with a spatula to create an even layer for uniform cooking.
Bake**: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Your kitchen will soon be filled with mouthwatering scents!
Cool & Slice**: Remove from oven; let cool completely before slicing into bars. Patience is key here—cutting too early could lead to crumbly chaos!
Enjoy these festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars as they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and spice. delicious peppermint bark brownies They’re not just delicious; they’ll also add warmth to your holiday gatherings!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Christmas Fruitcake Bars are a delightful twist on the traditional fruitcake. They offer the same festive flavors but in a convenient, portable form. The juicy fruits and nuts blend seamlessly, creating a treat that’s perfect for holiday gifting or family gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Preheat your oven while you mix the wet ingredients first, adding the dry ingredients gradually to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out dried fruits based on your preference, or add a splash of orange juice for extra zing and moisture.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Fruitcake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. easy no-bake Christmas dessert For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep their moist texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To enhance your Christmas Fruitcake Bars, soak dried fruits in rum or juice overnight. Ensure not to over-mix the batter; this keeps them tender. Use parchment paper in your baking dish for easy removal and clean-up. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made these bars; my family devoured them within minutes! Their laughter and joy made all the effort worthwhile, reminding me that food truly brings people together.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried fruit?
Fresh fruit can alter the texture; stick with dried for best results.
How long do these bars last?
They last about a week at room temperature and longer if refrigerated.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
Using a sharp knife and cutting them when chilled makes clean cuts easier.
Festive Christmas Fruitcake Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 bars 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Christmas Fruitcake Bars, a chewy and sweet treat packed with dried fruits and nuts. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress family and friends. With their vibrant colors and rich spices, they not only taste great but also brighten up any dessert table. Enjoy them as a snack or dessert—these festive bars are a must-have this holiday season.
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, apricots)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 large egg (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine rolled oats, chopped nuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), and an egg if using.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir until combined. Fold in the dried fruits.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan, pressing down firmly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown around the edges.
- Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (45g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
